While Borderlands 4 sales were “a little softer” than expected and NBA 2K26 achieved “double-digit” growth, Take-Two Interactive surprisingly noted the success of Mafia: The Old Country. According to CEO Strauss Zelnick in conversation with The Game Business, the early 1900s action adventure beat out the company’s internal expectations.
This confirms what it “suspected,” according to Zelnick, “Which is just… if you give consumers a great narrative experience that’s a lot of fun, somewhat contained, and at a fair price, then you can have the perfect result.”
The company didn’t provide any details on sales, but in its second quarter fiscal year 2026 report, it confirmed over 2.9 million pre-orders before launch. It also ranked third in Circana’s Best-Selling Premium Games chart in the United States for August 2025.
Going by estimates, over 800,000 copies were sold in its first four days, which isn’t too shabby for a $50 title with 12 to 14 hours of gameplay (23 hours for completionists, according to HowLongToBeat). While Zelnick didn’t discuss plans for the franchise, much less whether Take-Two would pursue other such narrative-focused titles, Isabella actor Carina Conti alleged that she was approved for “another” Mafia title.
Mafia: The Old Country is available for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. You can read our thoughts here. A future update will introduce Free Ride Mode, with “new activities and gameplay content,” but a release date is still pending.
It’s interesting to see how Mafia: The Old Country exceeded sales expectations, especially in contrast to the mixed performance of Borderlands 4. It highlights the unpredictable nature of the gaming market. Looking forward to seeing how these trends develop for Take-Two.
It’s definitely a pleasant surprise! The success of Mafia: The Old Country could indicate a strong nostalgia factor among gamers, especially considering the franchise’s rich history. It will be interesting to see if this momentum continues with future releases.
You’re right, it’s great to see Mafia: The Old Country performing well! This success might not only boost the franchise’s future but also encourage Take-Two to invest more in narrative-driven games, which have a unique appeal in today’s market.